Matt Kalil flocked to the Carolina Panthers in the offseason after five inconsistent seasons in Minnesota.
Although his tenure in purple was a forgettable one, Kalil took a bit of a cheap shot at the Vikings coaching staff in an interview with the Charlotte Observer on Monday.
Kalil praised his new offensive line coach John Matsko, stating, “Matkso is the first guy I’ve played for that kind of demands excellence from his offensive line room.”
It sounds like he’s making a backhanded comment towards current Vikings offensive line coach Tony Sparano and former coach Jeff Davidson, who was fired by Minnesota after the 2015 season.
After a solid rookie season, Kalil regressed big time over the next four years, giving up 24 sacks while being penalized 28 times during that span, according to Pro Football Focus.
If only the #Vikings offensive line coaches had demanded excellence from Matt Kalil?!? pic.twitter.com/nu5yX1x3MD
— Kevin Brown (@KevinBrownNFL) August 8, 2017
Despite all that, Carolina – for whatever reason – rewarded him with a contract of five years worth $55 million in which $31 million is guaranteed.
The 28-year-old is now playing alongside his older brother, Ryan Kalil, who is a five-time Pro Bowler.
Matt Kalil recently returned to practice for Carolina after missing time with a groin injury.
Panthers quarterback and former MVP winner Cam Newtown was sacked 36 times last season. If he continues to play the way he did over the past four seasons, it’s going to be another rough year for the left tackle.
